Working with spreadsheets often feels like a battle against syntax errors and forgotten formulas. According to Peter Deegan’s recent column for AskWoody, artificial intelligence is changing that dynamic by acting as a sensible assistant rather than just a novelty. Whether you are using the latest Microsoft 365 subscription or an older perpetual version of Excel, these AI capabilities can significantly reduce the time you spend staring at a blank cell.
Understanding complex functions
One of the most immediate benefits of integrating AI into your Excel workflow is the ability to demystify complex functions. If you encounter a formula that looks like gibberish, you can ask the AI to break it down. This isn’t just about getting an answer; it’s about understanding how the logic works so you can apply it later. For everyday users, this means less time searching through documentation and more time actually analyzing your data.
Building sheets from descriptions
Beyond fixing existing errors, AI can help you build new workbooks from scratch. By providing a simple text description of what you need—such as a budget tracker or an inventory list—the AI can generate the structure for you. This feature is particularly useful for those who are not advanced Excel users but still need to organize data efficiently. It bridges the gap between having an idea and having a functional spreadsheet.
What this means for you: You don’t need to be a formula expert to get value out of your spreadsheets. If you use Excel regularly, leveraging these AI tools can turn hours of trial-and-error into minutes of guided creation. It works across various versions, making it a versatile upgrade to your daily workflow.
Source: AskWoody
Over to you: Do you use AI features to write Excel formulas, or do you prefer building them manually?
